Deputy President William Ruto on Friday showed his farming skills when he joined Budalang'i residents in planting rice at Lower Nzoia Irrigation scheme at Budalang'i.
Dr Ruto had been ushered in by MP Raphael Wanjala and a host of local leaders during launching of the project. He said that irrigation was in line with government's Food Security agenda.
"Improved water management systems, including irrigation and water harvesting are key to increasing food production and enhancing crop quality. Irrigation supports diversification, which helps meet dietary needs of a growing population; saves labour costs; reduces reliance on rain-fed agriculture and promotes food security.
"During the launch of the Sh5.8bn, 10,000-acre Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project that will benefit 12,000 households, Port Victoria, Budalangi, Busia County," the DP said.
State House Digital Communication Director Dennis Itumbi was fast to point out Dr Ruto's commitment in pushing for food security, pointing out his exploits in Western Kenya on Friday.
"DP @WilliamsRuto planting rice during the launch of Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project in Budalangi, Busia County," he tweeted.
During the grand coalition government, Dr Ruto served as Agriculture minister but was sacked following maize scandal in 2011. He's also a renowned farmer in Uasin Gishu County.
Last year, he received his PhD degree from University of Nairobi after doing a project on Environmental crisis in Ziwa Swamp in Trans Nzoia.